Gary Lineker adamant he knows which position Liverpool most need to sign player for

Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon, with Gary Lineker of the opinion that the Reds need something new in their attack

Gary Lineker has said that Liverpool need to bring in a traditional number nine this summer.

After Liverpool's lacklustre performance at Wembley on Sunday afternoon saw them fall 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, Lineker highlighted the forward line as a significant issue for the Reds.

Arne Slot’s side scarcely troubled the Newcastle defence, managing a meagre two touches in the Magpies’ box during the first half and only two shots on target during the whole game. The impact was minimal despite Federico Chiesa's late goal, indicating a clear struggle up front.

With Liverpool drawing a blank midweek in their Champions League round of 16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain, the former Leicester striker believes that they need a player in the mould of a classic centre-forward, something they currently don't have in their armoury.

Talking on his podcast 'The Rest is Football' with Micah Richards, Lineker discussed the Reds' recent issues and how they need to add a different dimension to their attack. "It was very much Newcastle's day today. It really was," Lineker said, before throwing a question over to Richards.

"Where do you think Liverpool, I mean, they've had such a good season up until the last couple of weeks, but where do you think they need to strengthen? I would say, I think they need a nine," he added.

While Mohamed Salah has often dominated headlines this season with a stunning return of 32 goals so far as the Reds aim for Premier League glory, the same cannot be said for Liverpool's other forwards. Cody Gakpo has a healthy return of 16 in all competitions, but Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are all lagging behind on 13, eight and seven respectively.

The Reds are reportedly interested in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who was once again turning heads on Sunday. A constant menace throughout the game, Isak rounded off his day with a coolly taken finish in the second half, perhaps showing Liverpool what they need once the season concludes, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In agreement with Lineker, Richards emphasised Liverpool's need for more firepower upfront and suggested that the squad needs bolstering in several positions. "I think they need a nine. I think they need a left back," he said.

"I think Robertson has been a fantastic servant for Liverpool. I know they've been linked with Kerkez at Bournemouth. He's got real energy. He's really good. I like him a lot.

"I like Connor Bradley at right back. I do believe they do need another centre-half just for cover. I think, you know, if Konate is getting his injuries, or depends what happens with Van Dijk, I think they can freshen up everywhere.

"Slot's got an opportunity to get exactly what he wants into this system and this team. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do business wise. But yeah, I think they need to freshen up in all positions."

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